Thursday, May 30, 2013

Theodora is a perfectly normal duck. She may swim with a teacup balanced on
her head and stay north when the rest of the ducks fly south for the winter, but
there's nothing so odd about that.

Chad, on the other hand, is one strange bird. Theodora quite likes him, but
she can't overlook his odd habits. It's a good thing Chad has a normal friend
like Theodora to set a good example for him.

But who exactly is the odd duck here? Theodora may not like the
answer.

Sara Varon (Robot Dreams) teams up with Cecil Castellucci
(Grandma's Gloves) for a gorgeous, funny, and heartwarming examination of
the perils and pleasures of friendship.

"Varon’s gentle art and Castellucci’s nuanced writing combine in a sweet,
quiet tale that celebrates the joys of being unique." -- Booklist
* "This clever celebration of individuality delights." -- Kirkus
Reviews, starred review
"A lively friendship story that shows it’s more fun to be different than
“normal,” and most fun of all to be different with a buddy." -- The Horn
Book
* "Warm and with solid insight into the nature of quirk, this title will
amuse most readers, and it may be a welcome balm for those who feel a bit
different." -- School Library Journal, starred review

About the Author

Cecil Castellucci's books include Boy Proof (Candlewick, 2005),
The Plain Janes (Minx/DC Comics, 2007), and The Year of the Beasts
(Roaring Brook, 2012). She collaborated with artist Sara Varon on Odd Duck,
a graphic novel for young readers. She is the YA editor of the Los
Angeles Review of Books and a two time Macdowell Fellow. She lives in Los
Angeles.
Originally from the Chicago area, Sara Varon now resides in Brooklyn,
New York. When not drawing, she likes to visit the flowers in her yard and pet
the neighborhood dogs. Like Theodora, she might be considered an odd duck. Her
books include Robot Dreams, Bake Sale, Chicken and Cat, and Chicken
and Cat Clean Up. Odd Duck is her most recent graphic
novel.

Spend the summer with some new books! While there is no reading requirement, we encourage you to enjoy our suggestions. Find this list at each library’s website, via www.wellesley.k12.ma.us. The list is linked to the Wellesley Free Library online catalog at www.wellesleyfreelibrary.org.

Picture Books Abe Lincoln’s Dream by Lane SmithLincoln’s ghost returns to see how things have changed. 32p. A Couple of Boys Have the Best Week Everby Marla FrazeeJames and Eamon have a wacky week at nature camp! 40p. Auntie Yang’s Great Soybean Picnicby Ginnie LoA Chinese American girl’s auntie begins an Illinois picnic tradition. 32p. Because Amelia Smiledby David Ezra SteinA little girl’s smile inspires a chain of loving reactions. 40p. Boot and Shoeby Marla Frazee Life’s perfect and predictable for these two pups, until a squirrel mixes things up. 32p. The Boy Who Cried Alienby Marilyn SingerWho will believe Larry when he tries to help a group of friendly aliens? 40p. Cheetah Can’t Lose by Bob Shea Cheetah thinks he’s the best, but two clever kitties have other ideas. 40p. Doug UnpluggedbyDan Yaccarino A robot unplugs to discover the world around him. 32p. Dragons Love Tacosby Adam RubinWhat might go wrong at a party for dragons? 40p. Everyone Can Learn to Ride a Bicycleby Chris RaschkaExpressive pictures describe the frustrations and joys of learning to ride. 32p. Exclamation Mark by Amy Krouse RosenthalExclamation Mark tries to blend in but always stands out! 56p. Extra Yarnby Mac BarnettWith a supply of yarn that never runs out, Annabelle knits and knits for everyone in her town. 40p. The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmoreby William JoyceDropped into a strange land by a tornado, Lessmore changes lives by giving people books to love. 56p. Green by Laura Vaccaro SeegerHow many types of green can you name? This clever, creative book has beautiful art! 36p. The Granddaughter NecklacebySharon Dennis WyethA mother passes along a necklace with the history of her family’s women. 32p. Have You Seen My New Blue Socks? by Eve Bunting A duck misplaces his socks—or does he? 32p. Hello! Hello!by Matthew CordellA child tries to communicate with her busy family.

The Highway Ratby Julia DonaldsonA dastardly rat terrorizes the countryside in this story inspired by The Highwayman. 32p. Harry and Hopperby Margaret WildA touching story about a boy who grieves when his dog dies. 32p. Homerby Elisha CooperA dog is content to watch from the porch as his family goes out to enjoy the day. 32p. H.O.R.S.E.: A Game of Basketball and Imaginationby Christopher MyersTwo friends compete and learn what’s possible when they dream. 32p. If I Built a Houseby Chris Van DusenJack fromIf I Built a Caris back with his futuristic dream home, complete with giant slide! 32p. I’m Bored by Michael Ian BlackA bored girl tries to convince a potato that children aren’t boring! 32p. Imagineby Bart VivianThe ordinary becomes extraordinary in this beautiful book. 32p. Inside Outsideby Lizi Boyd Peek through die-cut windows to reveal surprises. 40p. It’s All About Me-owby Hudson TalbottA cat gives three kittens advice on charming their new human family. 32p. Just Ducksby Nicola DaviesMallard ducks are fascinating—and fun! 26p. Lucky Ducklings by Eva MooreIt takes a village to rescue five ducklings who fall into a storm grate. 32p. The Matchbox Diaryby Paul FleischmanAn Italian immigrant’s story told through the contents of an old cigar box. 40p. Miracle Mud: Lena Blackburne and the Secret Mud that Changed Baseballby David A. KellyA coach discovers a special mud that primes baseballs for the game --– and is still used today! 32p. Mossyby Jan BrettMossy is a turtle with a garden on her back that is so beautiful, she’s put in a museum. But is this where she belongs? 32p. Nelly May Has Her Say by Cynthia DeFeliceNelly learns a new language to work for Lord Pinkwinkle in this funny tale perfect for reading aloud. 32p. Nurse Clementineby Simon JamesClementine loves practicing her first-aid skills, but her brother does not want to be her patient! 40p. Olive and the Big Secretby Tor FreemanOlive learns the hard way that keeping secrets is tough. 28p. Open Very Carefully: A Book with Bite.byNick BromleyWhat would you do if a crocodile fell into your storybook? 32p. Peanut and Fifi Have a Ballby Randall de SevePeanut doesn’t want to share her new ball. 40p. Picture a Tree byBarbara ReidA celebration of all kinds of trees, in all seasons. 32p. Puffling Patrolby Ted and Betsy LewinEach year, children on an island off the coast of Iceland rescue puffins. Nonfiction. 56p. The Quiet Placeby Sarah StewartIsabel’s letters to her aunt tell of her adjustment to life in the U.S. 44p. Sleep Like a Tigerby Mary Logue A girl tries to convince her parents that it’s not bedtime. 40p. Squeak, Rumble, Whomp! Whomp! Whomp! A Sonic Adventureby Wynton Marsalis A rollicking tour through a neighborhood’s sounds. 34p. Take Me Out to the Yakyu by Aaron Meshon A boy enjoys baseball, in America and in Japan, with each of his grandfathers. 40p. The Three Ninja Pigsby Corey Rosen SchwartzThree pigs train at a ninja school to battle a wolf. 40p. Who Pushed Humpty Dumpty? And Other Notorious Nursery Tale Mysteriesby David Levinthal A toad detective tracks down criminals in classic tales. 40p.

Biography A Splash of Red: The Life and Art of Horace Pippin by Jennifer BryantPippin overcame obstacles to succeed at his art. See one of his works at Wellesley’s Davis Museum! 40p. Baby Flo: Florence Mills Lights Up the Stageby Alan SchroederThe story of the Harlem Renaissance-era dancer, singer, comedian. 40p. Drummer Boy of John Johnby Mark GreenwoodA fabulous story inspired by the boyhood events of Winston "Spree" Simon, the inventor of the steel drum. 31p. BecomingBabe Ruthby Matt TavaresRuth’s path to becoming a star player. 38p. Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers’ Strike of 1909by Michelle MarkelOne girl helps workers stand up for their rights. 32p. Electric Ben: The Amazing Life and Times of Benjamin Franklinby Robert ByrdA fascinating biography of an amazing American icon. All. 40p. The Fantastic Jungles of Henri Rousseau by Michelle Markel.With no training, 40-year-old Rousseau reinvented himself as an artist. 32p. Harlem’s Little Blackbird: The Story of Florence Millsby Renee WatsonThe daughter of former slaves, Mills fought her way to Broadway during the 1920s. 40p. Helen’s Big World: The Life of Helen Kellerby Doreen RappaportA look at the experiences that shaped Keller’s life. 48p. Henry and the Cannons: An Extraordinary True Story of the American Revolution by Don BrownHow a bookseller brought cannons from Fort Ticonderoga to drive the British from Boston. 32p. Hoop Genius: How a Desperate Teacher and a Rowdy Gym Class Invented Basketballby John CoyThe story of the game’s 1891 invention in Springfield, Mass. 32p. It Jes’ Happened: When Bill Traylor Started to DrawbyDon Tate.At 85, a former slave began drawing memories of his life in Alabama. 32p. Looking at Lincolnby Maira Kalman.A girl wonders about Lincoln’s life. 32p. Louisa May’s Battle: How the Civil War Led to Little WomenbyKathleen KrullHow Alcott’s experience nursing wounded soldiers influenced her writing. 48p. Monsieur Marceauby Leda SchubertThe world’s most famous mime spoke volumes without words. 40p. Mrs. Harkness and the Pandaby Alicia PotterRuth Harkness explored China’s wilderness to bring the first Giant Panda to the U.S. 32p. On a Beam of Light: The Story of Albert Einsteinby Jennifer BerneAn inspiring take on Einstein’s lifelong curiosity and genius. 56p. The Poppy Lady: Moina Belle Michael and Her Tribute to Veteransby Barbara Elizabeth Walsh How Flanders Fields’ red poppy came to symbolize our soldiers’ courage. 40p. Silent Star: The Story of Deaf Major Leaguer William Hoy by Bill WiseThe story of the first deaf baseball player to have a long career in the Major Leagues. 32p. There Goes Ted Williams, The Greatest Hitter Who Ever Livedby Matt TavaresLyrical prose and stunning art tell how Ted became the greatest hitter ever. 40p. Who Says Women Can’t Be Doctors? The Story of Elizabeth Blackwell by Tanya Lee StoneHow the first American female doctor opened doors for future generations. 40p. You Never Heard of Willie Mays?! by Jonah WinterThe all-around great baseball player helped break down barriers for African Americans. 40p.

Poetry

A Meal of the Stars: Poems Up and DownbyDana JensenSome poems read up, others down. All are delightful. 32p. African American Poetryby Arnold Rampersand, ed. Part of the Poetry for Young People series. Classic poems by Langston Hughes, Gwendolyn Brooks, and more, accompanied by beautiful illustrations. 48p. The Arrow Finds its Mark: A Book of Found Poemsby Georgia Heard, ed. Poets mash up words found all around: advertise-ments, signs, and Facebook status updates. 40p. Follow, Follow: A Book of Reverso Poemsby Marilyn SingerFairytale-based poems that have different meanings when the lines are read in reverse order. 32p. National Geographic Book of Animal Poetry: 200 Poems with Photographs That Squeak, Soar, and Roar! by J. Patrick Lewis, ed. This book combines animal poems with amazing photos. 192p. Pug and Other Animal Poemsby Valerie WorthEighteen beautiful poems with collages by Steve Jenkins. 40p. Seeds, Bees, Butterflies, and More! Poems for Two Voicesby Carole GerberNature poems designed to be read by two voices. 32p. Poems to Learn by Heartby Caroline Kennedy, ed. A varied collection of poems, beautifully illustrated, to share. 192p. Poetry for Young People (series). Various authors. Step Gently OutbyHelen FrostGorgeous close-up photographs illustrate a poem celebrating insects. 32p.

Grades K-2

A Little Book of Slothby Lucy CookeFacts and adorable photos from a sloth sanctuary in Costa Rica. Nonfiction. 64p. Anton Can Do Magicby Ole KonneckeThe illustrations tell what really happens when Anton makes things disappear! Picture book. 32p. At This Very Momentby Jim ArnoskyImagine what marvelous things animals around the world are doing at this second. 32p. Awesome Coin Tricksby Steve CharneyStep-by-step instructions on how to do magic with coins. Nonfiction. 24p. Benjamin Bear in "Bright Ideas!" byPhilippe CoudrayOne-page comics about the hilarious adventures of a bear who rides a square-wheeled bike. Graphic novel. 32p. Bink and Gollie: Best Friends Foreverby Kate DiCamilloCelebrate a fun, entertaining friendship. 96p. Brigid Lucy and the Princess Towerby Leonie NorringtonBrigid Lucy is sure Princess Rapunzel is trapped inside a tower and decides she must rescue her. 104p. Castle: How it WorksDavid MacaulayTake a tour of a medieval castle! Beginning reader. 32p. Also: Jet Plane. Dodsworth in Tokyoby Tim EganDodsworth’s mischievous duck finds adventure in the big city. Beginning reader. 48p. Frog and Friends: Best Summer Everby Eve BuntingFrog loves his pond life, but learns to appreciate new friends. Beginning reader. 45p. Let’s Go For a Driveby Mo WillemsElephant and Piggie are back with everything they’ll need for a drive. Beginning reader. 64p. Like Bug Juice on a Burgerby Julie SternbergEleanor’s excited to go off to camp, but she becomes homesick in this novel in verse

Sequel to Like Pickle Juice on a Cookie. Realistic fiction. 176p.

Libby of High Hopesby Elise PrimaveraHorse-loving Libby longs for riding lessons, but how can she convince her mom? Realistic fiction. 192p. Lulu and the Duck in the Park by Hilary McKayLulu brings a duck egg to school even though she knows she shouldn’t. Realistic fiction.104p. National Geographic Readers: Tigersby Laura MarshFascinating facts and photos. Nonfiction beginning reader. 32p. Penny and Her Marbleby Kevin HenkesPenny longs to keep a beautiful marble, though she knows she shouldn’t. Beginning reader. 48p. Pete’s Big Lunch (Pete the Cat I Can Read series)by James DeanWhat a problem—Pete’s lunch is too big to eat! Beginning reader. 32p. Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttonsby James Dean and Eric Litwin Does Pete cry when he loses his buttons? Goodness, no! Picture book. 40p. Rabbit and Robot: the sleepoverby Cece BellWhy isn’t Robot following the plan for the best sleepover ever?! Beginning reader. 56p. Sadie and Ratzby Sonya HartnettHannah and her naughty hands, Sadie and Ratz, get into lots of trouble. Beginning reader. 59p. That is NOT a Good Idea! by Mo WillemsGoslings warn their mom about the dangers of getting too close to a fox in this cinematic tale. Picture book. 48p. This is Not My Hat by Jon KlassenWhen a little fish steals a hat from a big fish, trouble follows! Picture book. 40p. A Trip to the Bottom of the World with Mouseby Frank VivaMouse and his explorer friend journey to Antarctica. Are we there yet? Graphic 32p. Undergroundby Denise Fleming A boy plants a tree and wonders what’s going on just below the surface. Picture book. 40p.

The Mysterious Benedict Societyby Trenton Lee Stewart A peculiar newspaper ad leads four children on a quest to stop villains trying to take over the world. Mystery. 512p. Navigating Earlyby Clare VanderpoolMiserable at boarding school, Jack befriends Early, whose obsession with finding his brother leads to adventure. Historical fiction. 306p. One for the Murphys by Lynda Mullaly HuntCarley’s mother is far from perfect, and she longs to stay with her foster family. Realistic fiction. 224p. One Year in Coal HarborbyPolly HorvathPrimrose tries to save a boy who might be her first best friend. Sequel to Everything on a Waffle. Realistic fiction. 216p. Penelope Crumb Never Forgetsby Shawn K. StoutSequel to Penelope Crumb. Penelope’s best friend is becoming best friends with another girl, so Penelope tries to win her back. Realistic fiction. 211p. Seymour Simon’s Extreme Earth Recordsby Seymour SimonExplore the extreme parts of our amazing planet. Nonfiction. 60p. Splendors and Gloomsby Laura SchlitzA tale set in Victorian England about a girl named Clara, a puppeteer, two orphans and a mysterious witch. Historical fantasy. 384p. Sports Illustrated Kids Full Count: Top 10 Lists of Everything in Baseball by Sports Illustrated KidsAll the baseball facts you could want to know! Nonfiction. 96p. Starry River of the Skyby Grace LinA runaway finds the key to returning the moon to the sky. Fantasy. 288p. Stars in the Shadows: The Negro League All-Star Game of 1934by Charles R. Smith Jr. Meet Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson and other famous baseball players in this historic All-Star game. Nonfiction. 106p. Stay: The True Story of Ten Dogsby Michaela MunteanHow one man rescued dogs everyone else considered hopeless. Nonfiction. 40p. Storyboundby Marissa BurtUna finds a mysterious book in the basement of her school library and finds herself written into the land of story. Fantasy. 406p. The Technology of Basketballby Suzanne SladeLearn about the technology that has revolutionized the game of basketball. Nonfiction. 48p. Three Times Luckyby Sheila TurnageWashed ashore as a baby and yearning for her mother, Mo LeBeau finds herself in the middle of a Southern mystery. Mystery. 256p. Top 25 Football Skills, Tips, and Tricksby Jeff SavageAlso: hockey and gymnastics. Nonfiction. 48p. Twelve Kinds of Iceby Ellen ObedA lovely reminiscence of ice skating on a family’s homemade rink. Memoir. 64p. Unspoken: A Story From the Underground Railroad by Henry ColeIn this wordless picture book, a girl discovers a runaway slave and decides to help him. Historical fiction. 32p. Wonderby R.J. PalacioAuggie's facial abnormalities shock most people when they meet him. He and his new classmates spend the year moving beyond first impressions. Realistic fiction. 315p. The Year of the Book byAndrea ChengWhen fourth-grader Anna needs company, she turns to her favorite books for insight. Realistic fiction. 146p. Zombie Makersby Rebecca JohnsonThese parasites control the minds and bodies of other animals. For real! Nonfiction. 48p.